According to a report published Tuesday by the New York-based human rights organization Human Rights Watch, the Syrian government has been carrying out "a state policy of torture" as part of an effort to crush dissent throughout the unrest.

Wednesday July 4, 2012, 1:20 pm
I just don't understand... how can people do this to one another? How can the world still be so plagued with these horrifying atrocities? When will we ever be able to see ourselves as ONE humanity, in which we can all flourish and grow together toward a higher level of beingness, centered in the energy of LOVE. This saddens me deeply. My heart goes out to the people of Syria who are taking up arms for their freedom... especially today, on the day that we celebrate ours.